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PRESENTATION OF THE O.K. WHISKEY TROPHIES.

The presentation of the O.K. Whiskey trophies, won by Mr James Mcßae ind i Mr Murdoch Elder, at the late Caledonian Sports Gathering in Christchurch, took place last evening at Shearman’s Hotel. About twenty were present, Dr Murdoch occupying the chair. T!ie trophies were generally admired, and.| indeed, handsomer cups it would be difficult to find. The presentation was made by Mr Bryan, representative of Messrs R. Wilkin and Co., of Christchurch, the donors of the trophies, comprising three cups of solid silver. The two won by Mr Elder were, one for pibruchs and marches, and the other for reels and strathspeys, and the cup presented to Mr Mcßae was for his sword dance. All the cups were nicely engraved with the names of the winners and the event for which they were awarded was also inscribed. Mr Bryan also brought with him, on behalf of the Christchurch Caledonian Society, a silver cup (presented by Messrs Ward and Co., of Christchurch), won at the Sports by Mr Mcßae for his dancing of the Shantrews, and a silver medal gained by Mr Elder for being the best piper on the ground. The presentation having been made, and the trophies filled with O. K. whiskey, the chairman remarked how pleased he was to see that Ashburton could hold its own at the Christchurch gathering. For his part he considered that both the winners had done very well indeed, and he thought it was very plucky of them to have gone to Christchurch and competed against so many first rate men. [Applause.] Mr James Mcßae responded on behalf of Mr Elder (who was unavoidably absent) andlhimself. Murdocn Elder and himself were old chums, having been for a period of five years and six months in the SGth Highland Rifles at Home. The friendship contracted in the Old Land had not been effaced in the new, and when they hunted at all it was generally in couples. (Laughter and applause.) He had been .told that they would not (his chum and himself) be so successful next year, as there would then be a much stronger array of talent, and professional talent too to fight against. But he cared not how many professionals there might be. He could assure them that he meant to be there, and if defeated he meant to try and try again, not that he was a professional, but just for the honor of the thing. (Applause.) The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were then drunk, and were followed by “ The health of the Winners,” “ The health and prosperity of the firm of R. Wilkin and Co.” (responded to in a very appropriate manner by Mr Bryan, who assured bis hearers that the firm had always, and would always, endeavor to forward the interests of the colony), “ The health of Mr Shearman ” (proposed by Mr Bryan, who said that had it not been for their host these trophies would never have been presented. It was Mr Shearman who had suggested the presentation by the firm of the O.K. Whisky trophies. The toast was drunk in a very enthusiastic manner and suitably responded to by Mr Shearman). The toasts of “Mr Bryan,” “The Chairman,” and some others brought a very pleasant and | convivial evening to a close. The Oups are on view at Shearman’s Hotel.

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